Zanzibar is committed to reform criminal justice, says 2VP
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR Second VicePresident Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, has reiterated the government’s commitment to reforming the country’s criminal justice system to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability.
During a high-level workshop attended by ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries and senior government officials from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Mr Abdulla stressed that implementing the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Commission is a critical step towards achieving comprehensive structural and operational improvements to better serve the public.
“President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration is committed to building a justice system grounded in the rule of law and good governance. She is fully supported by Zanzibar’s president Dr Hussein Mwinyi,” the 2VP said at the workshop over the weekend.
The workshop focused on executing the recommendations in the Criminal Justice Commission’s report. Mr Abdulla said that the commission’s findings have identified significant inefficiencies within the justice system, with many Tanzanians calling for major reforms to ensure fairness and accountability.
He further noted that the commission’s recommendations address both Union and Zanzibar-specific issues, including anti-corruption measures, drug trafficking, maritime crime enforcement and institutional accountability.
The 2VP also used the occasion to urge stakeholders to collaborate across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, ensuring that law enforcement and justice institutions operate with professionalism, integrity and discipline.
He encouraged workshop participants to become ambassadors of reform by actively implementing the recommendations and keeping the public informed about progress and achievements in the justice sector.
The Chairman of the Criminal Justice Reform Commission and former Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman, informed workshop participants that the commission had gathered insights from various stakeholders, including the police force.
“Among the key recommendations are: Reforming Police Recruitment by improving hiring criteria to ensure professionalism within law enforcement and addressing Community Reluctance to Report Crimes, as many cases are settled outside the judicial system, undermining justice,” Justice Chande said.
He also insisted the need to modernise police and judicial training programmes to improve service delivery, noting that the training curriculum for law enforcement should be updated to align with best practices.
Mr Chande further pointed out that citizens have raised concerns about the need for fair investigations, unbiased judicial processes and strict legal and disciplinary measures against corrupt officials who hinder access to justice.
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At the workshop, stakeholders recommended the establishment of a National Criminal Justice Policy and an independent oversight body to monitor law enforcement institutions.
They also emphasised the need for structural and systemic reforms to ensure justice is delivered fairly and efficiently to all citizens.
A member of the commission Dr Yahya Khamis Hamad stressed the importance of reviewing laws and updating training curricula to align with international best practices in law enforcement.
He also pointed out that economic disparities often prevent citizens from seeking justice, as many lack the financial means to appeal court decisions.
He urged authorities to address these barriers to create a more equitable justice system.
The workshop concluded with a strong commitment from government leaders and stakeholders to push forward meaningful reforms, ensuring that the criminal justice system upholds the principles of fairness, transparency and accountability for all Tanzanians.
